You have probably been told countless times that caffeine is "bad for your health." However, there's plenty of research that disagrees with that criticism. Rejoice fellow caffeine lovers, there are many positive effects of caffeine. What you learn in your science classes is nowhere near as interesting (or important) as what I'm about to tell you, the science behind caffeine as well as scientifically proven, positive effects of caffeine.

Here's the science:

First off, it's true what they say, caffeine is a brain stimulant. It tricks your brain. According to a study done by a Harvard Health blog, the reason it feels as if you've been jolted after chugging a cup of coffee is because "...[caffeine] blocks receptors for a chemical called adenosine, which normally prevents the release of excitatory brain chemicals."

Without the pesky chemical adenine plaguing your prime study hours, brain-sparking chemicals are able to freely travel through the brain. Now this leads into three extremely positive effects of caffeine.. and yes they're true... because, science.

1. Enhances Memory

Memory is divided into Short Term (STM) and Long Term (LTM). STM is responsible for learning new material. Because caffeine contributes to an increase in alertness, it also aids the STM in the ability to retain information. Therefore, during studying, caffeine can increase the amount of information retained. So don't feel self-conscious chugging that third coffee... do it for the A.

2. Napping still leaves you tired? No problem.

Although napping is such a blessing, sometimes you still feel tired after it. In a study conducted by researchers M.H. Bonnet, D.L. Arand, "...the combination of a prophylactic nap and caffeine was more effective in maintaining nocturnal alertness than was the nap alone."

So yes, nap if you can, but strictly napping is not as effective compared to napping + caffeine. Have that Keurig ready when the alarm goes off.

3. Takes Down the Common Cold

Alertness as well as your mood is extremely affected when you suffer minor illnesses such as the common cold. Caffeine turns out to be fantastic "medicine" in these situations and removes your impaired performance as well as your negative mood.

A study conducted by the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that those who were suffering from colds and given coffee had "... increased alertness and performance ... to the same level as [a] healthy group of [participants]."

So the next time someone starts criticizing your caffeine fascination hit them with the big three positives of caffeine: enhances memory, increases the effectiveness of napping and aids with sickness. They'll be left speechless as they reach for the coffee pot.